John R. Kopcso Jr.

John Robert Kopcso, 83, of Franklin passed away peacefully on March 6,2026, surrounded by his family.

Born August 17, 1942 in Bridgeport, CT., John was the only child of John and Irene (McBride) Kopcso.He graduated from Fairfield Prep in 1960 and joined the United States Air Force proudly serving four years at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota.

Following his service, John returned home to Ct. and resumed his schooling, graduating from Sacred Heart University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics. During his college career, he married his South Dakota sweetheart, Bonnie Keester, in 1966.

John used his college degree in the warranty industry starting out at Sirkosky Aircraft as a weight manager engineer. He left Sirkosy to take a job with the Hertz Corporation as a real estate manager, scouting new sites for expansion. Later, he developed and managed the warranty department for the newly formed Hertz Equipment Rental Corporation. When the company headquarters moved, John relocated his family to New Jersey settling in Franklin. He stayed with Hertz until his retirement in 2005.

Community was very important to John. He was a proud 36 year member of American Legion Francis M. Glynn Post 132 , serving as commander on 10 occasions. He also planned, organized, and participated in the Franklin American Legion Memorial Day parade for many years. In addition, John was a Civil War reenactor. He also served as a member of the Franklin zoning board for 25 years.

A lover of music, John worked as a part time DJ during the 80's. He was a history buff and collector of anything "old" including his 1965 Mustang. Along with his life partner Sandy, John enjoyed attending UCONN women's basketball games, duckpin bowling, visiting casinos and vacationing in Maine. He also loved working in his yard, playing chess and long walks with his dog, Willow.

John was predeceased by this beloved wife, Bonnie in 2004. He is survived by his daughters, Christine Horuzy and her husband Tom of Ogdensburg and Valerie McKean and her husband John of Spearfish, South Dakota. He also leaves behind, three lovely grandchildren, Carissa Horuzy, Chelesa Horuzy and Weston Carlston as well as his long time companion and life partner, Sandra Marion of Wantage.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ramsey Funeral Home, Franklin, N.J. with services and burial at the Northern New Jersey Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 11am on March 28,2026. Celebration of life to immediately follow at the Franklin American Legion Post 132 from 12 noon until 3pm. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Father Johns Animal House would be appreciated.